Nonwoven fabric for increasing the availability of chlorine in solution

ABSTRACT

Wipes for preventing chlorine depletion suitable for commercial applications (e.g., industrial and consumer disinfectant wipes) are provided. The wipe includes at least one nonwoven layer, at least one pulp layer, and a nonionic modified siloxane additive. The at least one nonwoven layer and the at least one pulp layer may be hydroentangled to form a hydroentangled nonwoven fabric having a first surface and a second surface. Additionally, the nonionic modified siloxane additive may be disposed on at least one of the first surface or the second surface.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a divisional application of U.S. patent applicationSer. No. 15/052,357 filed Feb. 24, 2016, which claims priority from U.S.Provisional Patent Application No. 62/121,067 filed Feb. 26, 2015, andclaims the benefit of the its earlier filing date under 35 U.S.C.119(e); each of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/052,357 and U.S.Provisional Patent Application No. 62/121,067 are incorporated herein byreference in their entirety.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The presently-disclosed invention relates generally to wipes for theprevention of chlorine depletion having various commercial applications.

BACKGROUND

Commercial disinfectant wipes commonly employ chlorine disinfectants.Chlorine disinfectants are popular disinfectants because they arerelatively inexpensive and fast-acting. Furthermore, chlorinedisinfectants are particularly effective against biofilms and biologicalmembranes. Some wipes incorporate chlorine, while others allow consumersto use their own chlorine disinfectant solution in conjunction with thewipes so that they may vary the chlorine concentration used. Regardless,some wipes have been found to deplete chlorine concentration in adisinfectant solution over time due to ionic chemical reactions betweenthe fabric and the chlorine.

Therefore there at least remains a need in the art for a product thatapplies an additive to fabric during manufacture to prevent chlorinepresent in a disinfectant solution from reacting with a wipe anddepleting the chlorine concentration of the disinfectant solution.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

One or more embodiments of the invention may address one or more of theaforementioned problems. Certain embodiments according to the inventionprovide wipes for preventing chlorine depletion suitable for commercialapplications (e.g., industrial and consumer disinfectant wipes). In oneaspect, the wipe includes at least one nonwoven layer, at least one pulplayer, and a nonionic modified siloxane additive. The at least onenonwoven layer and the at least one pulp layer may be hydroentangledtogether to form and/or define a hydroentangled nonwoven fabric having afirst surface and a second surface. Furthermore, the nonionic modifiedsiloxane additive may be disposed on at least one of the first surfaceor the second surface.

In accordance with certain embodiments of the invention, thehydroentangled nonwoven fabric may comprise a first nonwoven layer and asecond nonwoven layer. In such embodiments, the at least one pulp layermay be disposed between the first nonwoven layer and the second nonwovenlayer. In other embodiments, the hydroentangled nonwoven fabric maycomprise one nonwoven layer and one pulp layer.

In accordance with certain embodiments of the invention, the at leastone nonwoven layer may comprise a spunbond layer. In some embodiments,the at least one nonwoven layer may comprise synthetic polymerfilaments. In such embodiments, the synthetic polymer filaments maycomprise at least one of a polyolefin, a polyester, a polyamide, or anycombination thereof. According to certain embodiments, the syntheticpolymer filaments may comprise at least one of a polyethylene, apolypropylene, partially aromatic or fully aromatic polyesters,polyhexamethylene diadipamide, polycaprolactam, aromatic or partiallyaromatic polyamides, aliphatic polyamides, or any combination thereof.In some embodiments, the synthetic polymer filaments may comprisepolypropylene. In certain embodiments, the synthetic polymer filamentsmay have a denier comprising from about 0.5 to about 3. In furtherembodiments, the synthetic polymer filaments may have a deniercomprising from about 1 to about 2.5.

In accordance with certain embodiments of the invention, the at leastone pulp layer may comprise at least one of staple polymer fibers,organic pulp, synthetic pulp, meltblown fibers, or any combinationthereof. In certain embodiments, the at least one pulp layer maycomprise organic pulp. In such embodiments, the organic pulp maycomprise cellulosic pulp. According to certain embodiments, the at leastone pulp layer may comprise from about 1-99 percent by weight (or “wt %”as used herein) cellulosic pulp. In further embodiments, the at leastone pulp layer may comprise from about 20-80 wt % cellulosic pulp. Inother embodiments, the at least one pulp layer may comprise from about40-60 wt % cellulosic pulp.

In accordance with certain embodiments of the invention, thehydroentangled nonwoven fabric may comprise from about 30-70 wt % of apolyolefin and from about 30-70 wt % of a cellulosic pulp. In otherembodiments, the hydroentangled nonwoven fabric may comprise from about45-55 wt % of a polyolefin and from about 45-55 wt % of a cellulosicpulp. In certain embodiments, the hydroentangled nonwoven fabric maycomprise from about 30-70 wt % of a polypropylene and from about 30-70wt % of a cellulosic pulp. In further embodiments, the hydroentanglednonwoven fabric may comprise from about 45-55 wt % of a polypropyleneand from about 45-55 wt % of a cellulosic pulp. According to certainembodiments, the hydroentangled nonwoven fabric may have a basis weightcomprising from about 10 to about 80 gsm. In further embodiments, thehydroentangled nonwoven fabric may have a basis weight comprising fromabout 20 to about 60 gsm. In other embodiments, the hydroentanglednonwoven fabric may have a basis weight comprising from about 30 toabout 50 gsm. In certain embodiments, the hydroentangled nonwoven fabricmay have a basis weight comprising about 40 gsm.

In accordance with certain embodiments of the invention, the nonionicmodified siloxane additive may have a basis weight comprising from about0.1 to about 3 gsm. In further embodiments, the nonionic modifiedsiloxane additive may have a basis weight comprising from about 0.5 toabout 2 gsm. In other embodiments, the nonionic modified siloxaneadditive may have a basis weight comprising from about 0.75 to about 1.5gsm. In certain embodiments, the nonionic modified siloxane additive mayhave a basis weight comprising about 1 gsm. According to certainembodiments, the nonionic modified siloxane additive may be hydrophilic.In some embodiments, the nonionic modified siloxane additive maycomprise a nonionic modified polyorganosiloxane.

In accordance with certain embodiments of the invention, the wipe maymaintain a substantially constant chlorine concentration in adisinfectant solution when the wipe is disposed therein. In suchembodiments, the nonionic modified siloxane additive may prevent thechlorine from ionically attaching to the wipe. According to certainembodiments, the chlorine concentration in the disinfectant solution mayhave less than a 10% reduction over a four hour period. In furtherembodiments, the chlorine concentration in the disinfectant solution mayhave less than a 5% reduction over a four hour period. In otherembodiments, the chlorine concentration in the disinfectant solution mayhave less than a 2% reduction over a four hour period. According tocertain embodiments, the nonionic modified siloxane additive may beapplied to the hydroentangled nonwoven fabric via any one or more of aspray nozzle, a foam applicator, a pad, and a kiss roll.

In another aspect, certain embodiments of the invention provide a methodfor forming a wipe. The method may comprise hydroentangling at least onenonwoven layer and at least one pulp layer to form a hydroentanglednonwoven fabric having a first surface and a second surface and applyinga nonionic modified siloxane additive onto at least one of the firstsurface or the second surface. The nonionic modified siloxane additivemay be applied using any one or more of a spray nozzle, a foamapplicator, a pad, and a kiss roll.

In accordance with certain embodiments of the invention, the method mayfurther comprise meltspinning a polymer composition and forming the atleast one nonwoven layer. In some embodiments, the method may furthercomprise positioning the first surface of the hydroentangled nonwovenfabric directly or indirectly onto an image transfer device having athree-dimensional pattern and applying jets of fluid directly orindirectly to the second surface of the hydroentangled nonwoven fabricto impart a three-dimensional pattern onto the hydroentangled nonwovenfabric.

In accordance with certain method embodiments of the invention, thehydroentangled nonwoven fabric may comprise a first nonwoven layer and asecond nonwoven layer. In such embodiments, the at least one pulp layermay be disposed between the first nonwoven layer and the second nonwovenlayer. In other embodiments, the hydroentangled nonwoven fabric maycomprise one nonwoven layer and one pulp layer.

In accordance with method certain embodiments of the invention, the atleast one nonwoven layer may comprise a spunbond layer. In someembodiments, the at least one nonwoven layer may comprise syntheticpolymer filaments. In such embodiments, the synthetic polymer filamentsmay comprise at least one of a polyolefin, a polyester, a polyamide, orany combination thereof. According to certain embodiments, the syntheticpolymer filaments may comprise at least one of a polyethylene, apolypropylene, partially aromatic or fully aromatic polyesters,polyhexamethylene diadipamide, polycaprolactam, aromatic or partiallyaromatic polyamides, aliphatic polyamides, or any combination thereof.In some embodiments, the synthetic polymer filaments may comprisepolypropylene. In certain embodiments, the synthetic polymer filamentsmay have a denier comprising from about 0.5 to about 3. In furtherembodiments, the synthetic polymer filaments may have a deniercomprising from about 1 to about 2.5.

In accordance with certain method embodiments of the invention, the atleast one pulp layer may comprise at least one of staple polymer fibers,organic pulp, synthetic pulp, meltblown fibers, or any combinationthereof. In certain embodiments, the at least one pulp layer maycomprise organic pulp. In such embodiments, the organic pulp maycomprise cellulosic pulp. According to certain embodiments, the at leastone pulp layer may comprise from about 1-99 wt % cellulosic pulp. Infurther embodiments, the at least one pulp layer may comprise from about20-80 wt % cellulosic pulp. In other embodiments, the at least one pulplayer may comprise from about 40-60 wt % cellulosic pulp.

In accordance with certain method embodiments of the invention, thehydroentangled nonwoven fabric may comprise from about 30-70 wt % of apolyolefin and from about 30-70 wt % of a cellulosic pulp. In otherembodiments, the hydroentangled nonwoven fabric may comprise from about45-55 wt % of a polyolefin and from about 45-55 wt % of a cellulosicpulp. In certain embodiments, the hydroentangled nonwoven fabric maycomprise from about 30-70 wt % of a polypropylene and from about 30-70wt % of a cellulosic pulp. In further embodiments, the hydroentanglednonwoven fabric may comprise from about 45-55 wt % of a polypropyleneand from about 45-55 wt % of a cellulosic pulp. According to certainembodiments, the hydroentangled nonwoven fabric may have a basis weightcomprising from about 10 to about 80 gsm. In further embodiments, thehydroentangled nonwoven fabric may have a basis weight comprising fromabout 20 to about 60 gsm. In other embodiments, the hydroentanglednonwoven fabric may have a basis weight comprising from about 30 toabout 50 gsm. In certain embodiments, the hydroentangled nonwoven fabricmay have a basis weight comprising about 40 gsm.

In accordance with certain method embodiments of the invention, thenonionic modified siloxane additive may have a basis weight comprisingfrom about 0.1 to about 3 gsm. In further embodiments, the nonionicmodified siloxane additive may have a basis weight comprising from about0.5 to about 2 gsm. In other embodiments, the nonionic modified siloxaneadditive may have a basis weight comprising from about 0.75 to about 1.5gsm. In certain embodiments, the nonionic modified siloxane additive mayhave a basis weight comprising about 1 gsm. According to certainembodiments, the nonionic modified siloxane additive may be hydrophilic.In some embodiments, the nonionic modified siloxane additive maycomprise a nonionic modified polyorganosiloxane.

In accordance with certain method embodiments of the invention, the wipemay maintain a substantially constant chlorine concentration in adisinfectant solution when the wipe is disposed therein. In suchembodiments, the nonionic modified siloxane additive may prevent thechlorine from ionically attaching to the wipe. According to certainembodiments of the invention, the chlorine concentration in thedisinfectant solution may have less than a 10% reduction over a fourhour period. In further embodiments, the chlorine concentration in thedisinfectant solution may have less than a 5% reduction over a four hourperiod. In other embodiments, the chlorine concentration in thedisinfectant solution may have less than a 2% reduction over a four hourperiod.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING(S)

The invention now will be described more fully hereinafter withreference to the accompanying drawings, in which some, but not allembodiments of the invention are shown. Indeed, this invention may beembodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limitedto the embodiments set forth herein; rather, these embodiments areprovided so that this disclosure will satisfy applicable legalrequirements. Like numbers refer to like elements throughout andwherein:

FIG. 1 illustrates a cross sectional view of a wipe according to anembodiment of the invention; and

FIG. 2 illustrates a process flow diagram for forming a wipe accordingto an embodiment of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The invention now will be described more fully hereinafter withreference to the accompanying drawings, in which some, but not allembodiments of the invention are shown. Indeed, this invention may beembodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limitedto the embodiments set forth herein; rather, these embodiments areprovided so that this disclosure will satisfy applicable legalrequirements. As used in the specification, and in the appended claims,the singular forms “a”, “an”, “the”, include plural referents unless thecontext clearly dictates otherwise.

Any relative dimensions illustrated in the figures are given by way ofexample and are not intended to be limiting. As would be appreciated bya person having ordinary skill in the art, the relative dimensions canvary depending on any number of factors including, without limitation,the intended use and performance of the illustrated article.

The invention includes, according to certain embodiments, a wipe based,at least in part, on at least one nonwoven layer and at least one pulplayer, such that the at least one nonwoven layer and the at least onepulp layer are hydroentangled together to form and/or define ahydroentangled nonwoven fabric having a first surface and a secondsurface. The invention also includes a nonionic modified siloxaneadditive disposed on at least one of the first surface or the secondsurface. Wipes, according to certain embodiments of the invention, mayprevent chlorine present in a disinfectant solution from attachingionically to the wipe and depleting the chlorine concentration in thedisinfectant solution.

The terms “substantial” or “substantially” may encompass the wholeamount as specified, according to certain embodiments of the invention,or largely but not the whole amount specified according to otherembodiments of the invention.

The terms “polymer” or “polymeric”, as used interchangeably herein, maycomprise homopolymers, copolymers, such as, for example, block, graft,random, and alternating copolymers, terpolymers, etc., and blends andmodifications thereof. Furthermore, unless otherwise specificallylimited, the term “polymer” or “polymeric” shall include all possiblestructural isomers; stereoisomers including, without limitation,geometric isomers, optical isomers or enantionmers; and/or any chiralmolecular configuration of such polymer or polymeric material. Theseconfigurations include, but are not limited to, isotactic, syndiotactic,and atactic configurations of such polymer or polymeric material.

The terms “nonwoven” and “nonwoven web”, as used herein, may comprise aweb having a structure of individual fibers, filaments, and/or threadsthat are interlaid but not in an identifiable repeating manner as in aknitted or woven fabric. Nonwoven fabrics or webs, according to certainembodiments of the invention, may be formed by any processconventionally known in the art such as, for example, meltblowingprocesses, spun bonding processes, hydroentangling, air-laid, and bondedcarded web processes.

The term “layer”, as used herein, may comprise a generally recognizablecombination of similar material types and/or functions existing in theX-Y plane.

The term “spunbond”, as used herein, may comprise fibers which areformed by extruding molten thermoplastic material as filaments from aplurality of fine, usually circular, capillaries of a spinneret with thediameter of the extruded filaments then being rapidly reduced. Accordingto an embodiment of the invention, spunbond fibers are generally nottacky when they are deposited onto a collecting surface and may begenerally continuous. It is noted that the spunbond used in certaincomposites of the invention may include nonwoven described in theliterature as SPINLACE®.

The term “meltblown”, as used herein, may comprise fibers formed byextruding a molten thermoplastic material through a plurality of finedie capillaries as molten threads or filaments into converging highvelocity, usually hot, gas (e.g. air) streams which attenuate thefilaments of molten thermoplastic material to reduce their diameter,which may be to microfiber diameter, according to certain embodiments ofthe invention. According to an embodiment of the invention, the diecapillaries may be circular. Thereafter, the meltblown fibers arecarried by the high velocity gas stream and are deposited on acollecting surface to form a web of randomly disbursed meltblown fibers.Meltblown fibers are microfibers which may be continuous ordiscontinuous and are generally tacky when deposited onto a collectingsurface.

The term “hydroentangle”, as used herein, may comprise a process forbonding a nonwoven fabric by using high pressure water jets tointermingle the fibers. Several rows of water jets are directed againstthe fiber web, which is supported by a movable fabric. Fiberentanglements are introduced by the combined effects of the water jetsand the turbulent water created in the web, which intertwinesneighboring fibers.

The term “cellulosic pulp”, as used herein, may comprise a variety ofproducts comprising cellulose. Cellulose may refer to a naturalcarbohydrate polymer having the chemical formula (C₅H₁₀O₅)_(n) andconsisting of anhydro-glucose units joined by an oxygen linkage to formlong molecular chains that are essentially linear. Natural sources ofcellulose may comprise deciduous and coniferous trees (e.g., wood),cotton, flax, esparto grass, milkweed, straw, jute, hemp, and bagasse.The cellulose may have been processed by such treatments as, forexample, thermal, chemical, and/or mechanical treatments to formcellulose pulp (e.g. wood pulp).

I. Wipe

In one aspect, the invention provides a wipe for preventing chlorinedepletion suitable for commercial applications (e.g., industrial andconsumer disinfectant wipes). In one aspect, the wipe includes at leastone nonwoven layer, at least one pulp layer, and a nonionic modifiedsiloxane additive. The at least one nonwoven layer and the at least onepulp layer may be hydroentangled together to define and/or form ahydroentangled nonwoven fabric having a first surface and a secondsurface. Furthermore, the nonionic modified siloxane additive may bedisposed on at least one of the first surface or the second surface.

In accordance with certain embodiments of the invention, for instance,the wipe may maintain a substantially constant chlorine concentration ina disinfectant solution when the wipe is disposed therein. In suchembodiments, for example, the nonionic modified siloxane additive mayprevent the chlorine from ionically attaching to the wipe. According tocertain embodiments, for instance, the nonionic modified siloxaneadditive may be applied to the hydroentangled nonwoven fabric via aspray nozzle, a foam applicator, a pad and/or a kiss roll.

According to certain embodiments of the invention, for example, thechlorine concentration in the disinfectant solution may have less than a10% reduction over a four hour period. In further embodiments, forinstance, the chlorine concentration in the disinfectant solution mayhave less than a 5% reduction over a four hour period. In otherembodiments, for example, the chlorine concentration in the disinfectantsolution may have less than a 2% reduction over a four hour period. Assuch, in certain embodiments, the chlorine concentration in thedisinfectant solution may have a reduction over a four hour period ofless than the following: 10, 5, 4, 3, 2, and 1% (e.g., about 1-10%,about 1-5%, 1-2%, etc.).

In accordance with certain embodiments of the invention, for instance,the at least one nonwoven layer may comprise a spunbond layer. Incertain embodiments, for example, the at least one nonwoven layer may bedevoid of a meltblown layer. In some embodiments, for instance, the atleast one nonwoven layer may comprise synthetic polymer filaments. Insuch embodiments, for example, the synthetic polymer filaments maycomprise at least one of a polyolefin, a polyester, a polyamide, or anycombination thereof. According to certain embodiments, for instance, thesynthetic polymer filaments may comprise at least one of a polyethylene,a polypropylene, partially aromatic or fully aromatic polyesters,polyhexamethylene diadipamide, polycaprolactam, aromatic or partiallyaromatic polyamides, aliphatic polyamides, or any combination thereof.In some embodiments, for example, the synthetic polymer filaments maycomprise polypropylene.

According to certain embodiments of the invention, for instance, thesynthetic polymer filaments may have a denier comprising from about 0.5to about 3. In further embodiments, for example, the synthetic polymerfilaments may have a denier comprising from about 1 to about 2.5. Assuch, in certain embodiments, the synthetic polymer filaments may have adenier from at least about any of the following: 0.5, 0.75, and 1 and/orat most about 3, 2.75, and 2.5 (e.g., about 0.5-2.75, about 1-2.5,etc.).

In accordance with certain embodiments of the invention, for instance,the at least one pulp layer may comprise at least one of staple polymerfibers, organic pulp, synthetic pulp, meltblown fibers, or anycombination thereof. In certain embodiments, for example, the at leastone pulp layer may comprise organic pulp. In such embodiments, forinstance, the organic pulp may comprise cellulosic pulp. In certainembodiments, for example, the at least one pulp layer may furthercomprise staple polymer fibers. In such embodiments, for instance, thestaple polymer fibers may comprise acrylic fibers. Accordingly, in someembodiments, for example, the at least one pulp layer may comprisecellulosic pulp and/or acrylic fibers.

According to certain embodiments of the invention, for instance, the atleast one pulp layer may comprise 100 wt % cellulosic pulp. In someembodiments, for example, the at least one pulp layer may comprise fromabout 1-99 wt % cellulosic pulp. In further embodiments, for example,the at least one pulp layer may comprise from about 20-80 wt %cellulosic pulp. In other embodiments, for instance, the at least onepulp layer may comprise from about 40-60 wt % cellulosic pulp. As such,in certain embodiments, the at least one pulp layer may comprisecellulosic pulp at a weight percentage from at least about any of thefollowing: 1, 10, 20, 25, 30, and 40 wt % and/or at most about 100, 99,85, 80, 75, 65, and 60 wt % (e.g., about 20-60 wt %, about 40-99 wt %,etc.).

In accordance with certain embodiments of the invention, for example,the nonionic modified siloxane additive may be hydrophilic. In someembodiments, for instance, the nonionic modified siloxane additive maycomprise a nonionic modified polyorganosiloxane. In certain embodiments,for example, the nonionic modified siloxane additive may comprise apolyoxyalkyl-modified polydimethyl siloxane. In some embodiments, forinstance, the nonionic modified siloxane additive may comprise apolyoxyalkyl (C2-C8) polydimethyl siloxane. In such embodiments, forexample, the nonionic modified siloxane additive may comprise apolyoxyalkyl (C2-C4) polydimethyl siloxane (e.g., SILASTOL® 186 F fromSchill+Seilacher GmbH, Schönaither Straße 205, 71032 Böblingen,Germany).

In accordance with certain embodiments of the invention, for instance,the nonionic modified siloxane additive may have a basis weightcomprising from about 0.1 to about 3 gsm. In further embodiments, forexample, the nonionic modified siloxane additive may have a basis weightcomprising from about 0.5 to about 2 gsm. In other embodiments, forinstance, the nonionic modified siloxane additive may have a basisweight comprising from about 0.75 to about 1.5 gsm. In certainembodiments, for example, the nonionic modified siloxane additive mayhave a basis weight comprising about 1 gsm. As such, in certainembodiments, the nonionic modified siloxane additive may have a basisweight comprising from at least about any of the following: 0.1, 0.5,0.75, and 1 gsm and/or at most about 3, 2, 1.5, and 1 gsm (e.g., about0.75-1.5 gsm, about 1-1.5 gsm, etc.).

In accordance with certain embodiments of the invention, for example,the hydroentangled nonwoven fabric may comprise a first nonwoven layerand a second nonwoven layer. In such embodiments, for instance, the atleast one pulp layer may be disposed between the first nonwoven layerand the second nonwoven layer. In other embodiments, for example, thehydroentangled nonwoven fabric may comprise one nonwoven layer and onepulp layer. In certain embodiments, for instance, the hydroentanglednonwoven fabric may be a SPINLACE® nonwoven fabric as described in, forexample, U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,903,034; 7,091,140; and 7,455,800, all ofwhich are fully incorporated herein by reference.

According to certain embodiments of the invention, for example, thehydroentangled nonwoven fabric may comprise from about 30-70 wt % of oneor more polyolefins and from about 30-70 wt % of one or more pulps(e.g., cellulosic pulp). In other embodiments, for instance, thehydroentangled nonwoven fabric may comprise from about 45-55 wt % of oneor more polyolefins and from about 45-55 wt % of one or more pulps(e.g., cellulosic pulp). As such, in certain embodiments, thehydroentangled nonwoven fabric may comprise polyolefin and pulp (e.g.,cellulosic pulp) at weight percentages from at least about any of thefollowing: 30, 35, 40, and 45 wt % and/or at most about 70, 65, 60, and55 wt % (e.g., about 40-60 wt %, about 45-55 wt %, etc.). In certainembodiments, for example, the hydroentangled nonwoven fabric maycomprise from about 30-70 wt % of a polypropylene and from about 30-70wt % of a cellulosic pulp. In further embodiments, for instance, thehydroentangled nonwoven fabric may comprise from about 45-55 wt % of apolypropylene and from about 45-55 wt % of a cellulosic pulp. As such,in certain embodiments, the hydroentangled nonwoven fabric may comprisepolypropylene and cellulosic pulp at weight percentages from at leastabout any of the following: 30, 35, 40, and 45 wt % and/or at most about70, 65, 60, and 55 wt % (e.g., about 40-60 wt %, about 45-55 wt %,etc.).

According to certain embodiments of the invention, for example, thehydroentangled nonwoven fabric may have a basis weight comprising fromabout 10 to about 80 gsm. In further embodiments, for instance, thehydroentangled nonwoven fabric may have a basis weight comprising fromabout 20 to about 60 gsm. In other embodiments, for example, thehydroentangled nonwoven fabric may have a basis weight comprising fromabout 30 to about 50 gsm. In certain embodiments, for instance, thehydroentangled nonwoven fabric may have a basis weight comprising about40 gsm. As such, in certain embodiments, the hydroentangled nonwovenfabric may have a basis weight comprising from at least about any of thefollowing: 10, 20, 30, and 40 gsm and/or at most about 80, 60, 50, and40 gsm (e.g., about 20-50 gsm, about 40-50 gsm, etc.).

According to certain embodiments of the invention, for example, thehydroentangled nonwoven fabric may comprise at least one nonwoven layerhaving a basis weight from about 1 to about 20 gsm. In furtherembodiments, for instance, the hydroentangled nonwoven fabric maycomprise at least one nonwoven layer having a basis weight from about 5to about 15 gsm. In other embodiments, for example, the hydroentanglednonwoven fabric may comprise at least one nonwoven layer having a basisweight from about 7 to about 12 gsm. In certain embodiments, forinstance, the hydroentangled nonwoven fabric may comprise at least onenonwoven layer having a basis weight of about 10 gsm. As such, incertain embodiments, the hydroentangled nonwoven fabric may comprise atleast one nonwoven layer having a basis weight from at least about anyof the following: 1, 5, 7, and 10 gsm and/or at most about 20, 15, 12,and 10 gsm (e.g., about 5-15 gsm, about 10-12 gsm, etc.).

According to certain embodiments of the invention, for example, thehydroentangled nonwoven fabric may comprise at least one pulp layerhaving a basis weight from about 5 to about 40 gsm. In furtherembodiments, for instance, the hydroentangled nonwoven fabric maycomprise at least one pulp layer having a basis weight from about 10 toabout 30 gsm. In other embodiments, for example, the hydroentanglednonwoven fabric may comprise at least one pulp layer having a basisweight from about 15 to about 25 gsm. In certain embodiments, forinstance, the hydroentangled nonwoven fabric may comprise at least onepulp layer having a basis weight of about 20 gsm. As such, in certainembodiments, the hydroentangled nonwoven fabric may comprise at leastone nonwoven layer having a basis weight from at least about any of thefollowing: 5, 10, 15 and 20 gsm and/or at most about 40, 30, 25, and 20gsm (e.g., about 5-25 gsm, about 20-25 gsm, etc.).

According to certain embodiments of the invention, for example, thehydroentangled nonwoven fabric may comprise, for example, an acrylicfiber layer disposed between a pulp layer and a nonwoven layer. In suchembodiments, for instance, the pulp layer may comprise cellulosic pulphaving a basis weight from about 1 to about 30 gsm. In furtherembodiments, for example, the pulp layer may comprise cellulosic pulphaving a basis weight from about 10 to about 25 gsm. In otherembodiments, for instance, the pulp layer may comprise cellulosic pulphaving a basis weight from about 12 to about 18 gsm. In certainembodiments, for example, the pulp layer may comprise cellulosic pulphaving a basis weight of about 15 gsm. As such, in certain embodiments,the pulp layer may comprise cellulosic pulp having a basis weight fromat least about any of the following: 1, 10, 12, and 15 gsm and/or atmost about 30, 25, 18, and 15 gsm (e.g., about 12-30 gsm, about 10-18gsm, etc.). In some embodiments, for instance, the acrylic fiber layermay comprise a basis weight from about 0.5 to about 15 gsm. In furtherembodiments, for example, the acrylic fiber layer may comprise a basisweight from about 1 to about 10 gsm. In other embodiments, for instance,the acrylic fiber layer may comprise a basis weight from about 3 toabout 7 gsm. In certain embodiments, for example, the acrylic fiberlayer may comprise a basis weight of about 5 gsm. As such, in certainembodiments, the acrylic fiber layer may comprise a basis weight from atleast about any of the following: 0.5, 1, 3, and 5 gsm and/or at mostabout 15, 10, 7, and 5 gsm (e.g., about 3-15 gsm, about 5-7 gsm, etc.).

FIG. 1 , for example, illustrates a cross sectional view of a wipeaccording to an embodiment of the invention. As shown in FIG. 1 , thewipe 100 includes two nonwoven layers 120 and a pulp layer 140 that arehydroentangled to form a hydroentangled nonwoven fabric 160 having afirst surface 170 a and a second surface 170 b. The wipe 100 alsoincludes a nonionic modified siloxane additive 180 disposed on the firstsurface 170 a and the second surface 170 b.

II. Method for Forming Wipe

In another aspect, the invention provides a method for forming a wipe.The method may comprise hydroentangling at least one nonwoven layer andat least one pulp layer together to form and/or define a hydroentanglednonwoven fabric having a first surface and a second surface and applyinga nonionic modified siloxane additive onto at least one of the firstsurface or the second surface. For example the nonionic modifiedsiloxane additive may be sprayed onto at least one of the first surfaceor the second surfacing, according to a non-limiting example of anembodiment of the invention.

In accordance with certain embodiments of the invention, for instance,the method may further comprise meltspinning a polymer composition andforming the at least one nonwoven layer. In some embodiments, forexample, the method may further comprise positioning the first surfaceof the hydroentangled nonwoven fabric directly or indirectly onto animage transfer device having a three-dimensional pattern and applyingjets of fluid directly or indirectly to the second surface of thehydroentangled nonwoven fabric to impart a three-dimensional patternonto the hydroentangled nonwoven fabric. For example, according to suchembodiments, the image transfer device may comprise one or more drums oreven one or more sleeves affixed to a corresponding drum. One or morewater jets, for example, high pressure water jets according to anembodiment of the invention, may be applied to a side of the nonwovenopposite to the side contacting the image transfer device. Withoutintending to be bound by the theory, the one or more water jets andwater directed through the nonwoven causes the fibers of the nonwoven tobecome displaced according to the image on the image transfer devicesuch as the image formed on one or more drums or one or more sleevesaffixed to a corresponding drum causing a three-dimensional pattern tobe imaged throughout the nonwoven according to such image. Such imagingtechniques are further described in, for example, U.S. Pat. No.6,314,627 entitled “Hydroentangled Fabric having Structured Surfaces”;U.S. Pat. No. 6,735,833 entitled “Nonwoven Fabrics having a DurableThree-Dimensional Image”; U.S. Pat. No. 6,903,034 entitled“Hydroentanglement of Continuous Polymer Filaments”; U.S. Pat. No.7,091,140 entitled “Hydroentanglement of Continuous Polymer Filaments”;and U.S. Pat. No. 7,406,755 entitled “Hydroentanglement of ContinuousPolymer Filaments”, each of which are included in their entirety hereinby reference.

In accordance with certain embodiments of the invention, for instance,the at least one nonwoven layer may comprise a spunbond layer. Incertain embodiments, for example, the at least one nonwoven layer may bedevoid of a meltblown layer. In some embodiments, for instance, the atleast one nonwoven layer may comprise synthetic polymer filaments. Insuch embodiments, for example, the synthetic polymer filaments maycomprise at least one of a polyolefin, a polyester, a polyamide, or anycombination thereof. According to certain embodiments, for instance, thesynthetic polymer filaments may comprise at least one of a polyethylene,a polypropylene, partially aromatic or fully aromatic polyesters,polyhexamethylene diadipamide, polycaprolactam, aromatic or partiallyaromatic polyamides, aliphatic polyamides, or any combination thereof.In some embodiments, for example, the synthetic polymer filaments maycomprise polypropylene.

According to certain embodiments of the invention, for instance, thesynthetic polymer filaments may have a denier comprising from about 0.5to about 3. In further embodiments, for example, the synthetic polymerfilaments may have a denier comprising from about 1 to about 2.5. Assuch, in certain embodiments, the synthetic polymer filaments may have adenier from at least about any of the following: 0.5, 0.75, and 1 and/orat most about 3, 2.75, and 2.5 (e.g., about 0.5-2.75, about 1-2.5,etc.).

In accordance with certain embodiments of the invention, for instance,the at least one pulp layer may comprise at least one of staple polymerfibers, organic pulp, synthetic pulp, meltblown fibers, or anycombination thereof. In certain embodiments, for example, the at leastone pulp layer may comprise organic pulp. In such embodiments, forinstance, the organic pulp may comprise cellulosic pulp. In certainembodiments, for example, the at least one pulp layer may furthercomprise staple polymer fibers. In such embodiments, for instance, thestaple polymer fibers may comprise acrylic fibers. Accordingly, in someembodiments, for example, the at least one pulp layer may comprisecellulosic pulp and/or acrylic fibers.

According to certain embodiments of the invention, for instance, the atleast one pulp layer may comprise 100 wt % cellulosic pulp. In someembodiments, for example, the at least one pulp layer may comprise fromabout 1-99 wt % cellulosic pulp. In further embodiments, for example,the at least one pulp layer may comprise from about 20-80 wt %cellulosic pulp. In other embodiments, for instance, the at least onepulp layer may comprise from about 40-60 wt % cellulosic pulp. As such,in certain embodiments, the at least one pulp layer may comprisecellulosic pulp at a weight percentage from at least about any of thefollowing: 1, 10, 20, 25, 30, and 40 wt % and/or at most about 100, 99,85, 80, 75, 65, and 60 wt % (e.g., about 20-60 wt %, about 40-99 wt %,etc.).

In accordance with certain embodiments of the invention, for example,the nonionic modified siloxane additive may be hydrophilic. In someembodiments, for instance, the nonionic modified siloxane additive maycomprise a nonionic modified polyorganosiloxane. In certain embodiments,for example, the nonionic modified siloxane additive may comprise apolyoxyalkyl-modified polydimethyl siloxane. In some embodiments, forinstance, the nonionic modified siloxane additive may comprise apolyoxyalkyl (C2-C8) polydimethyl siloxane. In such embodiments, forexample, the nonionic modified siloxane additive may comprise apolyoxyalkyl (C2-C4) polydimethyl siloxane (e.g., SILASTOL® 186 F fromSchill+Seilacher GmbH, Schönaither Straße 205, 71032 Böblingen.Germany).

In accordance with certain embodiments of the invention, for instance,the nonionic modified siloxane additive may have a basis weightcomprising from about 0.1 to about 3 gsm. In further embodiments, forexample, the nonionic modified siloxane additive may have a basis weightcomprising from about 0.5 to about 2 gsm. In other embodiments, forinstance, the nonionic modified siloxane additive may have a basisweight comprising from about 0.75 to about 1.5 gsm. In certainembodiments, for example, the nonionic modified siloxane additive mayhave a basis weight comprising about 1 gsm. As such, in certainembodiments, the nonionic modified siloxane additive may have a basisweight comprising from at least about any of the following: 0.1, 0.5,0.75, and 1 gsm and/or at most about 3, 2, 1.5, and 1 gsm (e.g., about0.75-1.5 gsm, about 1-1.5 gsm, etc.).

In accordance with certain embodiments of the invention, for example,the hydroentangled nonwoven fabric may comprise a first nonwoven layerand a second nonwoven layer. In such embodiments, for instance, the atleast one pulp layer may be disposed between the first nonwoven layerand the second nonwoven layer. In other embodiments, for example, thehydroentangled nonwoven fabric may comprise one nonwoven layer and onepulp layer. In certain embodiments, for instance, the hydroentanglednonwoven fabric may be a SPINLACE® nonwoven fabric as described in, forexample, U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,903,034; 7,091,140; and 7,455,800, all ofwhich are fully incorporated herein by reference.

According to certain embodiments of the invention, for example, thehydroentangled nonwoven fabric may comprise from about 30-70 wt % of oneor more polyolefins and from about 30-70 wt % of one or more pulps(e.g., cellulosic pulp). In other embodiments, for instance, thehydroentangled nonwoven fabric may comprise from about 45-55 wt % of oneor more polyolefins and from about 45-55 wt % of one or more pulps(e.g., cellulosic pulp). As such, in certain embodiments, thehydroentangled nonwoven fabric may comprise polyolefin and pulp (e.g.,cellulosic pulp) at weight percentages from at least about any of thefollowing: 30, 35, 40, and 45 wt % and/or at most about 70, 65, 60, and55 wt % (e.g., about 40-60 wt %, about 45-55 wt %, etc.). In certainembodiments, for example, the hydroentangled nonwoven fabric maycomprise from about 30-70 wt % of a polypropylene and from about 30-70wt % of a cellulosic pulp. In further embodiments, for instance, thehydroentangled nonwoven fabric may comprise from about 45-55 wt % of apolypropylene and from about 45-55 wt % of a cellulosic pulp. As such,in certain embodiments, the hydroentangled nonwoven fabric may comprisepolypropylene and cellulosic pulp at weight percentages from at leastabout any of the following: 30, 35, 40, and 45 wt % and/or at most about70, 65, 60, and 55 wt % (e.g., about 40-60 wt %, about 45-55 wt %,etc.).

According to certain embodiments of the invention, for example, thehydroentangled nonwoven fabric may have a basis weight comprising fromabout 10 to about 80 gsm. In further embodiments, for instance, thehydroentangled nonwoven fabric may have a basis weight comprising fromabout 20 to about 60 gsm. In other embodiments, for example, thehydroentangled nonwoven fabric may have a basis weight comprising fromabout 30 to about 50 gsm. In certain embodiments, for instance, thehydroentangled nonwoven fabric may have a basis weight comprising about40 gsm. As such, in certain embodiments, the hydroentangled nonwovenfabric may have a basis weight comprising from at least about any of thefollowing: 10, 20, 30, and 40 gsm and/or at most about 80, 60, 50, and40 gsm (e.g., about 20-50 gsm, about 40-50 gsm, etc.).

According to certain embodiments of the invention, for example, thehydroentangled nonwoven fabric may comprise at least one nonwoven layerhaving a basis weight from about 1 to about 20 gsm. In furtherembodiments, for instance, the hydroentangled nonwoven fabric maycomprise at least one nonwoven layer having a basis weight from about 5to about 15 gsm. In other embodiments, for example, the hydroentanglednonwoven fabric may comprise at least one nonwoven layer having a basisweight from about 7 to about 12 gsm. In certain embodiments, forinstance, the hydroentangled nonwoven fabric may comprise at least onenonwoven layer having a basis weight of about 10 gsm. As such, incertain embodiments, the hydroentangled nonwoven fabric may comprise atleast one nonwoven layer having a basis weight from at least about anyof the following: 1, 5, 7, and 10 gsm and/or at most about 20, 15, 12,and 10 gsm (e.g., about 5-15 gsm, about 10-12 gsm, etc.).

According to certain embodiments of the invention, for example, thehydroentangled nonwoven fabric may comprise at least one pulp layerhaving a basis weight from about 5 to about 40 gsm. In furtherembodiments, for instance, the hydroentangled nonwoven fabric maycomprise at least one pulp layer having a basis weight from about 10 toabout 30 gsm. In other embodiments, for example, the hydroentanglednonwoven fabric may comprise at least one pulp layer having a basisweight from about 15 to about 25 gsm. In certain embodiments, forinstance, the hydroentangled nonwoven fabric may comprise at least onepulp layer having a basis weight of about 20 gsm. As such, in certainembodiments, the hydroentangled nonwoven fabric may comprise at leastone pulp layer having a basis weight from at least about any of thefollowing: 5, 10, 15 and 20 gsm and/or at most about 40, 30, 25, and 20gsm (e.g., about 5-25 gsm, about 20-25 gsm, etc.).

According to certain embodiments of the invention, for example, thehydroentangled nonwoven fabric may comprise, for example, an acrylicfiber layer disposed between a pulp layer and a nonwoven layer. In suchembodiments, for instance, the pulp layer may comprise cellulosic pulphaving a basis weight from about 1 to about 30 gsm. In furtherembodiments, for example, the pulp layer may comprise cellulosic pulphaving a basis weight from about 10 to about 25 gsm. In otherembodiments, for instance, the pulp layer may comprise cellulosic pulphaving a basis weight from about 12 to about 18 gsm. In certainembodiments, for example, the pulp layer may comprise cellulosic pulphaving a basis weight of about 15 gsm. As such, in certain embodiments,the pulp layer may comprise cellulosic pulp having a basis weight fromat least about any of the following: 1, 10, 12, and 15 gsm and/or atmost about 30, 25, 18, and 15 gsm (e.g., about 12-30 gsm, about 10-18gsm, etc.). In some embodiments, for instance, the acrylic fiber layermay comprise a basis weight from about 0.5 to about 15 gsm. In furtherembodiments, for example, the acrylic fiber layer may comprise a basisweight from about 1 to about 10 gsm. In other embodiments, for instance,the acrylic fiber layer may comprise a basis weight from about 3 toabout 7 gsm. In certain embodiments, for example, the acrylic fiberlayer may comprise a basis weight of about 5 gsm. As such, in certainembodiments, the acrylic fiber layer may comprise a basis weight from atleast about any of the following: 0.5, 1, 3, and 5 gsm and/or at mostabout 15, 10, 7, and 5 gsm (e.g., about 3-15 gsm, about 5-7 gsm, etc.).

In accordance with certain embodiments of the invention, for instance,the wipe may maintain a substantially constant chlorine concentration ina disinfectant solution when the wipe is disposed therein. In suchembodiments, for example, the nonionic modified siloxane additive mayprevent the chlorine from ionically attaching to the wipe.

According to certain embodiments of the invention, for instance, thechlorine concentration in the disinfectant solution may have less than a10% reduction over a four hour period. In further embodiments, forexample, the chlorine concentration in the disinfectant solution mayhave less than a 5% reduction over a four hour period. In otherembodiments, for instance, the chlorine concentration in thedisinfectant solution may have less than a 2% reduction over a four hourperiod. As such, in certain embodiments, the chlorine concentration inthe disinfectant solution may have a reduction over a four hour periodof less than the following: 10, 5, 4, 3, 2, and 1% (e.g., about 1-10%,about 1-5%, 1-2%, etc.).

FIG. 2 , for example, illustrates a process flow diagram for forming awipe according to an embodiment of the invention. As shown in FIG. 2 ,the method comprises hydroentangling at least one nonwoven layer and atleast one pulp layer to form a hydroentangled nonwoven fabric having afirst surface and a second surface at operation 210. The method furthercomprises applying a nonionic modified siloxane additive onto at leastone of the first surface or second surface from operation 210 atoperation 220. In the applying step, the modified siloxane additive maybe applied using any one or more of a spray nozzle, a foam applicator, apad, and/or a kiss roll.

Thus, the invention includes, in accordance with certain embodiments, awipe based, at least in part, on at least one nonwoven layer and atleast one pulp layer, such that the at least one nonwoven layer and theat least one pulp layer are hydroentangled to form a hydroentanglednonwoven fabric having a first surface and a second surface. Theinvention also includes a nonionic modified siloxane additive disposedon at least one of the first surface or the second surface. Wipes,according to certain embodiments of the invention, may exhibit reducedchlorine depletion by applying a nonionic modified siloxane additive tofabric during manufacture to prevent the chlorine from attachingionically to the wipe and depleting the chlorine concentration of thedisinfectant solution.

EXAMPLES

The present disclosure is further illustrated by the following examples,which in no way should be construed as being limiting. That is, thespecific features described in the following examples are merelyillustrative and not limiting.

Test Method

Basis weight of the following examples was measured in a way that isconsistent with the ASTM test method D3776. The results were provided inunits of mass per unit area in g/m² (gsm).

Example 1

In Example 1, two different wipes were made. Wipe A was made of aSPINLACE® nonwoven fabric having 10 gsm polypropylene spunbond face, 10gsm polypropylene spunbond back, and 20 gsm cellulose pulp (GoldenIsles® Fluff Pulp Grade 4823 from Georgia-Pacific Packaging, 133Peachtree St., NE, Atlanta, Ga. 30303) between the two spunbond layers.Wipe B was made of the same SPINLACE® fabric as Wipe A but with 15 gsmcellulose pulp (Golden Isles® Fluff Pulp Grade 4823 from Georgia-PacificPackaging, 133 Peachtree St., NE, Atlanta, Ga. 30303) and 5 gsm 100%acrylic fiber. The construction of Wipes A and B are summarized in Table1.

TABLE 1 WIPE BASIS WEIGHT (gsm) CONSTRUCTION A 40 10 gsm SB PP face/10gsm SP PP back/20 gsm Pulp B 40 10 gsm SB PP face/10 gsm SP PP back/15gsm Pulp/ 5 gsm acrylic fiber

Example 2

In Example 2, wipes were tested to determine the effectiveness of anonionic modified siloxane additive in preventing chlorine depletionfrom a disinfectant solution containing chlorine. The wipes that weretested had the same composition as Wipe A from Example 1. Wipe A wassprayed using a spray nozzle with a nonionic modified siloxane additivemade by adding 25 C water to 50 g SILASTOL® 186 F (Schill+SeilacherGmbH, Schönaicher Straße 205, 71032 Böblingen, Germany) to make 2 L ofadditive. A control solution having a chlorine concentration of 99 ppmwas compared to a chlorine solution having the same chlorineconcentration and having a SILASTOL® 186 F-coated wipe submergedtherein. The control solution and the wipe-containing solution weretitrated over a period from 1 minute to 4 hours. The wipe was thensoaked in water for 2 weeks. After soaking the wipe in water for 2weeks, the wipe was again placed in a chlorine solution having the samechlorine concentration as the control solution. The control solution andthe 2 week wipe-containing solution were titrated over a period from 1minute to 4 hours. As shown in Table 2, the wipe sprayed with thenonionic modified siloxane additive maintained relatively constantchlorine concentration in the disinfectant solution even after beingsoaked in water for two weeks, thereby demonstrating that the wipeprevents chlorine depletion of the disinfectant solution.

TABLE 2 Control Wipe A + Nonionic Wipe A + Nonionic Solution ModifiedSiloxane Modified Siloxane Chlorine Additive Chlorine Additive ChlorineTime Concentration Concentration Concentration (minutes) (ppm) (ppm)(ppm)(2 wks H2O) 1 99 90 99 15 99 93 97 60 99 95 97 240 99 95 93

In this regard, the chlorine concentration of the disinfectant solutionhaving the wipe submerged therein was not appreciably reduced even after4 hours or 2 weeks (e.g., less than 5% after 4 hours, less than 7% after2 weeks).

Example 3

In Example 3, wipes were again tested to determine the effectiveness ofa nonionic modified siloxane additive in preventing chlorine depletionof a disinfectant solution due to the wipe. The test wipe was preparedaccording to Examples 1 and 2. A control solution having a healthcarelevel chlorine concentration of 999 ppm was compared to a chlorinesolution having the same chlorine concentration and having a SILASTOL®186 F-coated wipe submerged therein. The control solution and thewipe-containing solution were titrated over a period from 1 minute to 4hours. As shown in Table 3, the wipe sprayed with the nonionic modifiedsiloxane additive maintained relatively constant chlorine concentrationin the disinfectant solution, thereby demonstrating that the wipeprevents chlorine depletion of the disinfectant solution.

TABLE 3 Control Wipe A + Nonionic Solution Modified Siloxane ChlorineAdditive Chlorine Time Concentration Concentration (minutes) (ppm) (ppm)1 999 990 15 999 919 60 999 995 240 999 995

In this regard, the chlorine concentration of the disinfectant solutionhaving the wipe submerged therein was not appreciably reduced even after4 hours (e.g., less than 1% reduction). Thus, the results demonstratethat the wipes do not appreciably scavenge the chlorine in solution.

Example 4

In Example 4, wipes were tested to determine the effectiveness of anonionic modified siloxane additive in preventing chlorine depletionfrom a disinfectant solution containing chlorine. The wipes that weretested had the same composition as Wipe B from Example 1. Wipe B wassprayed using a spray nozzle with a nonionic modified siloxane additivemade by adding 25 C water to 50 g SILASTOL® 186 F (Schill+SeilacherGmbH, Schönaicher Straße 205, 71032 Böblingen, Germany) to make 2 L ofadditive. A control solution having a chlorine concentration of 99 ppmwas compared to a chlorine solution having the same chlorineconcentration and having a SILASTOL® 186 F-coated wipe submergedtherein. The control solution and the wipe-containing solution weretitrated over a period from 1 minute to 1 hour.

TABLE 4 Control Wipe B + Nonionic Solution Modified Siloxane ChlorineAdditive Chlorine Time Concentration Concentration (minutes) (ppm) (ppm)1 97 93 15 95 93 60 95 84

As shown in Table 4, the wipe sprayed with the nonionic modifiedsiloxane additive maintained relatively constant chlorine concentrationin the disinfectant solution, thereby demonstrating that the wipeprevents chlorine depletion of the disinfectant solution

In this regard, the chlorine concentration of the disinfectant solutionhaving the wipe submerged therein was not appreciably reduced even after1 hour (e.g., less than 12% reduction). Thus, the results demonstratethat the wipes do not appreciably scavenge the chlorine in solution.

These and other modifications and variations to the invention may bepracticed by those of ordinary skill in the art without departing fromthe spirit and scope of the invention, which is more particularly setforth in the appended claims. In addition, it should be understood thataspects of the various embodiments may be interchanged in whole or inpart. Furthermore, those of ordinary skill in the art will appreciatethat the foregoing description is by way of example only, and it is notintended to limit the invention as further described in such appendedclaims. Therefore, the spirit and scope of the appended claims shouldnot be limited to the exemplary description of the versions containedherein.

That which is claimed:
 1. A method for producing a wipe, comprising: (a)hydroentangling (i) a first nonwoven layer comprising a first group ofcontinuous filaments, (ii) a second nonwoven layer comprising a secondgroup of continuous filaments, (iii) a third nonwoven layer comprisingacrylic staple fibers, and (iv) at least one pulp layer together to forma hydroentangled nonwoven fabric having a first surface and a secondsurface; wherein the at least one pulp player is disposed directlybetween the third nonwoven layer and the second nonwoven layer and thethird nonwoven layer is disposed directly between the first nonwovenlayer and the at least one pulp layer; and (b) applying a nonionicsiloxane additive onto at least one of the first surface or the secondsurface; wherein the hydroentangled nonwoven fabric is devoid ofmeltblown fibers.
 2. The method according to claim 1, furthercomprising: (c) positioning the first surface of the hydroentanglednonwoven fabric directly or indirectly onto an image transfer devicehaving a three-dimensional pattern; and (d) applying jets of fluiddirectly or indirectly to the second surface of the hydroentanglednonwoven fabric to impart a three-dimensional pattern onto thehydroentangled nonwoven fabric.
 3. The method according to claim 1,wherein the step of applying the nonionic siloxane additive onto atleast one of the first surface or the second surface comprises applyingthe nonionic siloxane additive via one or more of a spray nozzle, a foamapplicator, a pad, or a kiss roll.
 4. The method according to claim 1,wherein the first nonwoven layer comprises a first spunbond layer andthe second nonwoven layer comprises a second spunbond layer.
 5. Themethod of claim 1, wherein the first group of continuous filamentscomprise a polyolefin.
 6. The method of claim 1, wherein the secondgroup of continuous filaments comprise synthetic polymer filaments. 7.The method of claim 6, wherein the synthetic polymer filaments compriseat least one of a polyolefin, a polyester, a polyamide, or anycombination thereof.
 8. The method of claim 7, wherein the syntheticpolymer filaments comprise a polypropylene.
 9. The method of claim 7,wherein the synthetic polymer filaments have a denier comprising from0.5 to
 3. 10. The method of claim 1, wherein the pulp of the at leastone pulp layer comprises organic pulp, synthetic pulp, or anycombination thereof.
 11. The method of claim 1, wherein thehydroentangled nonwoven fabric comprises from 30-70 wt % of a polyolefinand from 30-70 wt % of a cellulosic pulp.
 12. The method of claim 1,wherein the hydroentangled nonwoven fabric has a basis weight comprisingfrom 10 to 80 gsm.
 13. The method of claim 1, wherein the nonionicsiloxane additive comprises a nonionic polyoxyalkyl-modifiedpolydimethyl siloxane additive and has a basis weight comprising from0.1 to 3 gsm.
 14. The method of claim 1, wherein the nonionic siloxaneadditive is hydrophilic.
 15. The method of claim 1, wherein the wipemaintains a substantially constant chlorine concentration in adisinfectant solution when the wipe is disposed therein.
 16. The methodof claim 15, wherein the substantially constant chlorine concentrationin the disinfectant solution is defined as a less than a 10% reductionover a four hour time period.
 17. The method of claim 1, wherein thehydroentangled nonwoven fabric comprises a three-dimensional patternimaged onto the first surface and the second surface.
 18. The method ofclaim 1, wherein the hydroentangled nonwoven fabric comprises from 55-70wt % of pulp.
 19. The method of claim 1, wherein the third nonwovenlayer has a basis weight from 0.5 to 15 gsm and the at least one pulplayer has a basis weight from 10 to 30 gsm.
 20. The method of claim 1,wherein the nonionic siloxane additive comprises a polyoxyalkyl-modifiedpolydimethyl siloxane additive.